A most recent publication of the journal Nature Genetics carried a study in which authors claim to have found at least three new genetic variations that account for more than 50% cases of obesity in children. With the help of these new findings it would be possible to pinpoint the children who will have high probability to turn obese. Timely help from healthcare and medical professionals would help preventing the onslaught of obesity in such cases.
The study involved comparing Genes of obese adults with the genetic construction in obese children less than six years of age, as well as the genes of the people with normal weight. The results showed three new genes that were not identified till this date the presence of which indicated occurrence of severe obesity among individuals. The results also provide some answers to why only some of the individuals are obese and others are not despite similar diets or eating habits.
One of the genes that was located near the PTER gene showed a strong relationship with the childhood obesity. The researchers estimated the gene to be affecting one-third cases of childhood obesity and at around 20% of all obesity cases.
Second variant that was found to be affecting childhood obesity was located in NPC1 gene. The gene has been studied earlier for its role in controlling appetite. This variant accounted for around one-tenth cases of childhood obesity and about 14% of morbid obese adults.
Third variant was located around the MAF gene, which controls the production of the insulin and glucagons. The variant was found to be affecting 6% obese children and 16% morbid obese adults.
The researchers were suggesting further researches to study the impact of these new variants independent of each other. If they do act independent of each other then these variants account of around 50% of total obesity cases.
One of the researchers from the Department of Genomic Medicine at Imperial College London, Professor Philippe Froguel said "When young children become obese, their lives can be affected in a very negative way. Sadly, obese children are often unfairly stigmatised and they can suffer heart and lung problems, painful joints, diabetes and cancer as they grow up.
"Understanding the genetic basis of obesity is the first step towards helping these children. Once we identify the genes responsible, we can develop ways to screen children to find out who is most at risk of becoming obese. Hopefully we can then intervene with measures such as behavioural therapy, to make sure a child forms healthy eating habits and does not develop a weight problem," he added.